Disclaimer: I don't own any right or materials to Inuyasha or Naruto.

Chapter 6

Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane watched with hidden interest. They had heard rumors about the new addition to the medical team. It was rare that interest like this was shown to a civilian. They appeared to have travelled quickly, which was odd since they had a civilian in tow, unless they had run into trouble along the way. That didn't seem to be the case since they were acting in such a manner to have them not draw that conclusion. It was indeed interesting.

As Team 7 entered the village, the tensions lessened. Naruto was happy to be home, evident in the way he smiled, with bright eyes and blinding happiness. His happiness was contagious as Sakura was also reflecting the same contentment and happiness; one couldn't necessary say the same for their sensei though. It would seem as though he just sighed with relief, his outward projection was the same bored manner that he always carried.

As they checked in with the ninja on gate duty, who acted as though it was the most boring duty in the world. In truth, it gave them a chance to gain information on the unusual behaviors of some of the more interesting topics for discussion. They would never admit it but they were the biggest gossips in Konoha.

The new addition to the medical team was indeed a civilian but what made it more interesting was that even though Team 7 had found her, they were also the ones to retrieve her as well. It would make sense since they were the only contacts from the village but Team 7's mission were never really normal, even when they tried to be.

Izumo and Kotetsu, which were only too glad to inspect the civilian and log her entry into the village. They would get the chance to speak to her and also to see if she was available. It would cause quite the controversy if she was indeed single. Shinobi didn't live a simple life but a civilian like this one would be of interest, especially with her association with Team 7. Putting on their best smiles, they waited with suppressed glee.

Typical Naruto, he was a ball of energy, "Kotetsu, Izumo, this is Kagome. She is going to be staying with us for a while. Kagome ..."

Kakashi was tired. He sighed, "Naruto, introductions can wait. We need to get to the Hokage tower and report." With a barely noticeable motion, he sent Sakura on ahead to announce their return and arrival of their guest. He wanted to end this before he got another Naruto headache.

He had cut Naruto off just as he was about hit hyper mode. Kagome only smiled resignedly, she knew that Naruto was excitable. She also knew that their Sensei wanted to be rid of her; it was just something that she knew that she had to get used to and expected.

"It was nice to meet the both of you" She smiled apologetically and bowed politely. Her mother would be very upset if she thought that Kagome was being rude, even if certain people deserved it. She turned and waited expectantly for her escort. Kagome returned Naruto's smile and nodded her understanding.

Once Team 7 was ready, her new journey began.

Izumo and Kotetsu, though used to Kakashi's behavior, eagerly watched to see how Kagome would react to the short and blunt Kakashi. Intriguingly enough, she ignored and brushed him off. Most were intimidated or feared his wrath. This civilian was either oblivious or immune.

They sized her up, in more ways than one. Long dark hair, not uncommon but looked healthy and soft. There was nothing breathtaking about her; she was little more than average. But when she directed her attention to them, albeit momentarily, the warmth of her soft brown eyes and welcoming smile, pulled more than just a couple of heartstrings.

It was then, that they knew things were going to get interesting. Especially if each of them wanted to speak with her again, individually of course. With a quick glance at each other, they knew the planning had begun.

Waving them off, the gatekeepers were stunned and riveted by their village's new acquisition. The discussions began. Neither mentioned the fact that they were interested on a personal level although the gossip was in full swing. Nothing was missed, from the travel gear and clothing, to each word that was exchanged. Pleased that it was about time something of interest had finally arrived in the village.

The walk to the Hokage Tower was like a maze. Kagome didn't know if it was done on purpose or if it really was a long walk, in what felt like in all directions. The heavy feeling of being was watched by so many was beginning to wear on her.

She was already nervous, though she knew that she hadn't done anything that she needed to hide. She just felt exposed and she didn't like it. She wasn't one for being the center of attention. She felt like she was on display at a circus sideshow or something.

Naruto could tell that Kagome was uncomfortable though he could guess why. He wanted to cheer her up but was unsure how to quell her concerns. He was lost in thought when he her say "You would think that they have never seen anyone from outside this village before."

He finally found a way to distract her, "Don't worry about it, Kagome. They just haven't seen Kakashi walk willing next to a pretty lady before."

Though technically he knew that it was still part of the mission, but Kakashi Sensei could have went ahead to announce them, instead of Sakura. He wasn't sure if Kakashi was still suspicious of Kagome or if he was irritated at the interest that Kotetsu and Izumo expressed, however covert they tried to be. They were indeed sneaky but neither he nor his sensei bought their act. Their antics were well known.

Both heads snapped toward Naruto with frightening speed. He knew he had brought this upon himself but it was just irresistible. Their reactions were priceless. Kagome was a first a little surprised, her lips were in open is slight shock. The next second, her eyes sparked to life and refused to even look at his sensei, who was also looking rather disgruntled. A disgruntled Kakashi is a deadly Kakashi, but still to get a real reaction out of Kakashi was truly unexpected, but worth it.

He couldn't wait to share this with Sakura. Maybe even, plan a thing or two, to make things interesting.

He was snapped out of his musing by Kakashi, in a tone soft with warning, "Remember the last time you got the team involved in my personal matters, Naruto?"

If one didn't know Kakashi very well, one would think that he was showing exasperation to merely the intrusion of his privacy.

Naruto knew better, the time that they thought that Kakashi was interested in a woman and almost ended in the village being in dangerous territory. In the end, things ended up more different that anyone would have thought. With a sigh, Naruto just nodded his defeat to his sensei. He has accepted that things never go as planned, sometimes for better or worse. Still, he would keep an eye on things.

Kakashi continued to watch Naruto, just to make sure that he understood not to meddle. He didn't like the fact that Naruto had conceded that easily. He could definitely feel the headache coming on. He didn't resist the urge to get out his constant companion and buried himself inside his favorite orange book. He as hoping in some way to end the worsening situation. This walk seemed to be taking forever.

Seeing Kakashi take out his book,Naruto knew that his sensei was through with the conversation Leaving him open to his own planning. Kagome would be good for his mentor and he wanted him to see it, even if it meant dire consequences. Sakura also found a liking to Kagome, maybe with a little coercion, he will get a little cooperation from Sakura. They both wanted to find a way to ease the emptiness that all could see in the sensei.

Kagome knew that there was something up, after her experiences with Shippo's devious plans, she knew that she would have to wait and see what was concocted before taking any actions to deter the storm that always ensued. With a barely concealed sigh, she pushed all of the thoughts away and just took the atmosphere to the village.

Once they reached the Hokage Tower, all efforts to ignore her companions had to end. Kakashi allowed Naruto to take the lead as they climb their way towards the Hokage's office. He had to admit that the woman showed no outward signs of awkward nervousness or of unusual attentiveness. It just made him more on edge. There was something off about all of this. His senses were telling him something but he couldn't make any solid determination as to why.

The only think that he could say was that he didn't like it. His vigil was going to have to be very tight. He couldn't afford to be distracted (and Naruto was always distracted).

Giving in to the inevitable, he closed his eyes as his shoulders slumped slightly. In only a brief second, he knew that he was going to get tangled up in something that was going to life changing and most assuredly something that he was not going to like.

Kagome sat waiting for her meeting with the Hokage. She was doing her best to ignore Naruto's Sensei but Naruto himself was another matter. Although, she was going to her best to keep herself in check, Naruto's energy was contagious. It was making a smile, a hard thing to fight. He was so full of life, he had such a pure soul, full of kindness and hope.

Getting attached was something that she told herself a thousand times not to do. Looking at Naruto again, she knew that it was a pointless argument. Who could resist someone so pure of heart? Unaware that a smile was gracing her lips, she turned her attention elsewhere and took in her surrounds without any thought at what she was seeing. Thinking back on times past with another group.

Naruto, on the other hand, was barely able to contain himself. He was sure that Tsunade would love Kagome. He didn't know how Kagome would play things out but he was going to trust her to make the right decision.

It was her life after all.

It was then that he could see Kagome from the corner of his eye, the small smile on her face and her softened features. It was causing him to smile as well. He casually continued to watch her without her being aware of it. She was looking around but not paying any attention to what she was seeing. Her mind seemed far away.

Naruto heard some quiet shuffling. It was obvious that the ninja on this floor were curious as well. Team 7 always has a knack for find themselves in unusual situations and meeting even more unusual people. If they were trying to get Kagome's attention, they were really going to have to be more obvious. A smirk began to form around the corner of his lips, things were going to be interesting.

Plastering a blank looking onto his face, he looked up at the ceiling in thought...

Should I fan the flames?

Casting a sideline look at his sensei, who was buried into his book to the point that his face couldn't be seen, to Kagome was pointedly ignoring his presence.

Yes, yes, the flames should be stoked and fanned.

Tsunade was getting impatient. Sakura had come ahead of her team to announce their arrival. She had come right before she had to a meet with a merchant was looking to open up shop in Konoha. Tsunade had tried to listen to the idiot in front of her but he kept droning on and on about the benefits to him becoming a citizen and the value to his trade to the village. Blah, blah, she knew that it would be beneficial. She just had to wait for his background check to come through before making a final decision.

She was just about to let loose on the poor fool, when he was saved by Shizune.

"Hokage-sama, your next appointment is here."

Tsunade, who was trying not to smirk at Shizune rescuing such an imbecile. Nevertheless, she turned to the merchant who looked a little disappointed and disgruntled to be cut off in the middle of extolling his virtues, "Very well, Fujiwara, once the assessment has been completed, you will be notified."

Dismissing him, she turned her attention to the person she has been waiting to meet. There was definitely something interesting about this girl and wanted to find out what. If she wasn't a Nin, then how exactly did she do what she did without the aid of chakra? With a very excited smile, that sent most into a panic, she yelled, "NEXT".

Time will tell, after all.

Watching with concealed glee, Tsunade didn't expect a young woman so…so….ordinary. It was always her experience that looks are deceiving. Call it a gut instinct: but it was always her experience that looks are deceiving. Looking into the woman's eyes, there were many things there: slight wariness but not overly so, sadness, loneliness, and something that said she had seen more of the world that she should have. Long dark hair, her stature was not impressive, all in all she wouldn't seem a threat, but it was her eyes that gave you everything. Ninja were trained early on to hide all emotion but this girl was drowning in it.

There was no true fear, which in itself was interesting. She was a civilian from the middle of nowhere, brought in by ninja and she was not afraid or even tense. Hmmm… again interesting.

"So, you are the young woman who saved the life of two of my very valuable ninja," Tsunade watched the young woman closely as she continued. "Naruto explained that you are knowledgeable on herbs and plants that are used to fight toxins."

Tsunade sat back in anticipation of the tale that was expected to begin; no one wanted to give away secrets easily.

Kagome knew that she was being questioned without questions. She bowed slightly to the Hokage to show respect before speaking, "I was glad to I was able to help. I was somewhat trained in the art of healing with using the aid of plants and herbs by an old Miko. I grew up on a shrine but there wasn't anyone to truly teach me more."

They were truths but not of the same context that she could say more here. She could tell that there were hidden ninja waiting and watching. She would expect so for the security of the Hokage. She didn't want to endanger anyone while she was here. She would teach what she knew, then she would go.

Tsunade was truly surprised "Miko haven't been around for quite some time. I haven't heard of a single Miko being born in a century. What shrine are you from?"

There was more, she knew it. She knew that this woman, Kagome, was truthful with what she was saying but, it was again off.

Kagome withheld a sigh, she knew that it would come to this. "I come from the Higurashi Shrine. It is not well known since my grandfather doesn't have any true power. He succeeded in his training but he didn't awaken any abilities."

Leaning in, eyes sharp to every detail, Tsunade continued to watch as she pressed for more information, looking for the smallest things that could give it all away. "If your grandfather had no abilities, how were you trained?"

"I traveled far from my home and met an old Miko, her power was minimal at best but she was able to teach what she knew of plants and herbs as well as any medicinal knowledge that I know."

Kagome knew she wasn't lying but talking about her past friends made her uncomfortable. It wasn't that she didn't want to talk about them, it was just that she couldn't honestly talk about them without making her sad.

"Hmmm… I see." Tsunade suddenly yelled, "Everybody out! Except for you, Kagome." All turned back to see Tsunade looking troubled and fierce. It caused everyone to freeze. In doing so, it caused Tsunade to yell again, "DO NOT make me repeat myself! That means all of you." They all knew that it meant her guard of ANBU that were silently keeping watch on the Hokage.

Now it was serious, Kakashi turned to look at Kagome (who was looking at nothing in particular), which was odd considering her position…unless, she was indeed a spy of some sort. He looked back at his Hokage and was about to argue, when she slammed her fist on the table, "NOW!"

Casting one last glance at Kagome: if something bad were to happened, he would make sure that she would not survive.

Sensing his aura of death cast her way, Kagome knew that it was a bad way to start things off. But what could see do? She was either going to get locked away, wrote off as crazy, or executed as a threat. Knowing that she really need to tell the Hokage the truth, she did the only thing that felt right. "Hokage-sama, could Naruto stay?"

She didn't want to involve him but he already knew most of story anyway. His presence was soothing in a way and she just needed a friend right now.

Tsunade watched the thoughts roll through the healer and finally resignation. There was a slight pleading in her eyes, almost like she knew that it would be denied. She almost laughed, what the hell, why not? He wanted to be Hokage one day, after all. Let him see what part of the job description was; the brat always got involved anyway.

"Oi, brat, you can stay" The Hokage crossed her arms over her ample chest and smirked at the relief that he was radiating. He wasn't trying to hide either which wasn't unusual but it was like he was holding himself back after nearly yelling out his frustrations when he was told to leave with the others.

Sakura wasn't sure either; normally, she wouldn't question her master either, but the whole situation was making her nervous. It was unusual from the beginning.

"Shou Shou…", Sakura felt the undertones in the room. She knew her mentor could take care of herself but the situation was making her wary.

The imposing posture spoke volumes to the remaining ninja "Sakura, you know the drill, as well as you Kakashi…." The Hokage didn't need to spell it out but to be alone with an unknown was not something that they were comfortable with.

Once the door, was closed, Naruto was relieved. He breathed a loud sigh of relief which caused Kagome to turn to him and smile. He was truly sweet.

Taking a step forward to the desk in front of the Hokage, Kagome approach slowly with a slight sag in her steps. "You want to know the full story."

It wasn't a question nor was it meant to be; the Blonde merely raised an eyebrow, as if to say, what else.

With an audible sigh, Kagome looked at the ceiling. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, gathering herself a moment before beginning the tale of her painful past. Lowering her gaze, she made eye contact with another pair of brown eyes and held their steady gaze.

"This is something that I hold dear to my heart. It is for your safety and the safety of others that it is not to be told to another and never spoken of." The sincere regard produced a slight hesitation for the others in the room. Trying to decide whether she was truthful and wanting to protect others or wanting to hide something by make it difficult to decide how to proceed.

Turning to Naruto, who had said nothing all this time. Giving an expectant look, the Hokage gaze weighed heavily on the young ninja.

Naruto knew that, as a dutiful Shinobi, he had an obligation of the village. He was torn, he had to protect the village but at the same time, he didn't want to betray his new friend.

The Priestess had had enough of this. "Naruto doesn't answer for me. Nor will I allow his loyalty to his village come into question. I told you I will tell you, but these are the conditions, the same conditions that were given to Naruto."

Kagome had gone from meek and gentle to firm and fierce, her eyes held defiance and posture was spoke of confidence and pride. Well, well, this is what Tsunade had been waiting for, suspicions were high, she was hiding something that could threaten the entire village.

"I see. So, if I am to agree, it may mean that I could be risking the future of all of the lives that I have sworn to protect."

Expelling another sigh, Kagome slumped down in a chair. Naruto sat next to her and gave an encouraging smile, "I will leave and cause no trouble but if you want to know some of what I know, you will need to send someone to learn what I can teach them. It may not be much but I would be willing to do what it takes to help you save the lives of those in need."

Scowling, Tsunade knew that she couldn't send anyone to learn under Kagome. Besides, it was still a question of how she did what she did to save Sakura and Kakashi. She couldn't let her leave without determining that.

Seeing the intense contemplation, Kagome gave one last piece of the puzzle before withdrawing once again, "I will be hunted as Naruto is hunted. The ones hunting me will make them look like amateurs."

Her words, caused an intense reaction. Stunned, a slight gasp could be heard but no one had spoken a word. The room seemed to still and tension filled the air.

That in itself triggered a major concern. "Well, then, it is decided. Tell me everything; but in the end, I may need to verify your authenticity by other means."

This made Naruto stiffen, reached over, Kagome put a hand on her shoulder and gave a smile.

"When you are ready, it will be a long, unusual tale." Wanting to make sure that they knew that it wasn't a straight forward explanation.

Tsunade gave her another hard look. Kagome wanted to sigh again but held in. This was going to be the hard part.

"I would need to make a barrier to make sure that there isn't any way that this will be heard by another."

She waited for the reaction. Suspicion and mistrust was evident but it was part of the bargain.

Shizune spoke, "I can make a barrier that will disrupt any that sound and visual. They will not be able to read our lips to determine any of our conversation. If that would be acceptable?"

Kagome was apprehensive but had to agree nonetheless. Resigned, she nodded her acceptance and waited as Shizune sealed them with the barrier. When it was complete, they confirmed that it was working and effective.

With a nod from Tsunade, Kagome take a deep fortifying breath, "It all started with my little brother. He was looking for our fat cat, Byuo. I was getting ready for school on my Fifteenth birthday…."

There were times that it was hard to speak, but Naruto was there. He would give a reassuring squeeze to her hand or shoulder when needed. Though she tried to quell the tears that came to her eyes, she couldn't stop them completely nor could she stop the frustration and anger of the events that had happened in the past.

No one interrupted or asked questions. Even Naruto hadn't heard everything but most of it was summarized since there were so many battles, adventures, and people that they had met. It would be impossible to tell them everything.

Once she was finished, it was like someone has scramble up her insides. Some of it she hadn't spoken of to anyone except to those the original group. Pressing her lips closed, she held back a sob. It was difficult but she managed to get to control. It was a little shaky but she managed to look at the Hokage straight in the eye with a look that said: go ahead and disregard all that I told you, I am not crazy.

With a narrowing of her eyes, the Hokage did the only thing she could do.

"Send for Ibiki and Yamanaka as well as Nara." Enough though she did so, she never broke eye contact with the dark-haired woman that spouted an impossible story.

Never backing down, Kagome held her head high and awaited the ones that the Hokage called for. She knew that it would also embroil them in this as well. They must be held high in regard for them to be called for.

Releasing the barrier, Shizune left to inform the others that everything had went well and the send for the Interrogation Force. She also needed to notify the Interrogation Department of the impending arrival.

The ANBU returned to their post, unseen, as if nothing had happened but they could sense the tense atmosphere. The civilian was calm and posed. It wasn't every day that a civilian was sent for and then had to see the Interrogation Force upon arrival. ANBU never spoke of anything that they ever see or hear whether it was on guard duty for the Hokage or on a mission. It was something that they each could only ponder on silently.

After Shizune left to follow Tsunade's orders, Nartuo wanted to offer his support to Kagome but wasn't sure how. In the end, he just walked to where she sat in the chair and place a hand on her shoulder. He knew that he couldn't speak openly at the moment; a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. Kagome smiled up at him briefly before turning and look out the window.

Things were starting to spiral out of her control but what else could she do. She couldn't let anyone suffer. It was her duty, but it was also the right thing to do. It would weigh heavily on her heart if she didn't do all that she could to alleviate the suffering of those in need in this violent world.

Allowing her eyes to close briefly, the weight of the world fell heavily on her shoulders. She was tired. She didn't like this secrecy. She didn't like not be able to be herself, her complete self. She missed her family, her friends, she missed being able to remember friends, to be able to talk about them openly/honestly.

The moment having pasted, she covered Naruto's hand with her own. Sharing a look with the blond shinobi and gave a grateful smile before turning her attention back to the blonde watching intently behind the desk.

She was stronger that she used to be. She would handle this and then she would get back to her life of watching and waiting for her friends. With a determined gaze, she smiled. The priestess was ready, ready to take on this challenge. They had fought many battles and defeated the most heinous of beings. She could handle the distrustful shinobi.

She would not fail.

**Sorry it took so long to post!